3 Practices For Fixing Under Saddle Piezo Pickup Problems

There is something unique about the guitars that has kept them relevant even today. It is a portable and versatile instrument that can play almost every genre that you can think of. They blend well with other instruments and can also be played solo. This is why their popularity has only increased over time.

With that out of the way, you may need a few accessories to get the most out of your guitar. A pickup is one such accessory. It is often called the heart of a guitar as it converts its string vibrations to eclectic signals. It greatly impacts the guitar’s tone and improves its playability, making it a must-have tool for every musician’s guitar gear.

Talking about guitar pickups, you cannot just leave under saddle piezo pickups behind. They are usually used with acoustic guitars. They detect vibrations from the guitar’s saddles. Expectedly then, they produce a bright tone with great clarity.

With such excellent tonal quality, it’s little wonder they have become so popular among guitarists. However, various problems have been associated with the under saddle piezo pickups.

In this article, we will take you through some of the most common under saddle piezo pickups problems and their solutions that have worked for many users. If you are looking to buy under the saddle piezo pickups for your guitar, this article is for you. Let’s delve further without any further ado!

Common Under Saddle Piezo Pickup Problems

Some common problems that you are likely to face while using the under saddle piezo pickups are:

1. Compatibility issues

Compatibility is the first thing to check before purchasing an under saddle guitar piezo pickup. It’s no secret that guitars come in various types nowadays. Contrary to a common misbelief, not every guitar pickup could be used on every guitar type.

This is why it is recommended to check its compatibility before making a purchase decision. It goes without saying that if the under saddle guitar piezo pickup is incompatible with your guitar, you won’t be able to use it. To check an under saddle guitar piezo pickup’s compatibility, refer to the manufacturer’s website.

Most under saddle guitar piezo pickups nowadays can be used on acoustic guitars, but you should not take it for granted. So, if you are purchasing it online, make sure to go through its product description to find out whether it can be used on your guitar type or not.

And if you are buying it from a local store, consider asking the seller about its compatibility. If it is incompatible with your guitar, consider choosing another pickup.

2. Installation Problems

Any guitarist will tell you that a pickup must be installed properly for its optimal performance. Installation can make a whole lot of difference. A well-installed guitar pickup helps you craft a perfect sound by picking the right amplitude. On the other hand, if it is not installed correctly, it may not perform up to the mark.

If you are to install an under saddle guitar piezo pickup, here is how you can do it:

1. 1. Start installing your under saddle guitar piezo pickup by first removing the strings and the saddle. It is a straightforward process and will only take a minute or two.
   2. Once done, drill a hole for the pickup’s wire. It should be drilled on the low E side for most under saddle guitar piezo pickups. If you have a thicker under saddle guitar piezo pickup, drill a hole at an angle. A normal hole will cause it to bend, thus damaging the under saddle guitar piezo pickup. This will also avoid uneven string volume and other performance problems later on. And yes, do not drill a hole through your guitar’s bracing. A guitar’s bracing is an internal reinforcement attached to the underside of the top of your guitar. The rule of thumb is to drill the end pin hole a bit bigger for the preamp. It is a good idea to use a combination of drill bits and a reamer tool as it allows for more precise drilling without chipping the guitar.
   3. Now is the time to install the endpin preamp. Installing it could be challenging, which is why it is recommended to use a jack installation tool for this purpose. It allows you to feed the end pin from the sound hole to the whole body. Be careful while installing it, or else you may end up damaging your guitar. These installation tools are readily available all over the world. You can also order one online if it is unavailable at your nearby musical instrument store.
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   4. Once you have installed the endpin preamp, lower the saddle a bit. This step is important to achieve the right pickup height. So, consider filing off the saddle’s bottom a bit. It is a good idea to mark it using a caliper for precise operation.
   5. Then, place it on a flat surface and sand it. This step is also critical to your under saddle guitar piezo pickup’s performance. If not carried out correctly, some strings may sound louder, ruining your playing experience.
   6. Now, stick your under saddle guitar piezo pickup through the bridge hole. Then, put the saddle and low E string back to keep it all in place. If your pickup has a sound hole-mounted volume control, consider installing it at the upper-right side of the sound hole. It will fit in most guitars, but sometimes, bracing may cause problems. So, make sure that there is enough space before installing an under saddle guitar piezo pickup.

3. Noise and Hum

Noise problems are quite common in the under saddle guitar piezo pickups, and many guitarists have complained about them. Of course, there is nothing more frustrating for a guitarist than a noisy pickup. And if it starts making a humming noise during a live performance, we can only send you sympathies.

The wiring is the first thing to check if you face the noise problem in the under saddle guitar piezo pickup. It is a good idea to refer to the wiring diagram to get an idea about the wiring. So, examine your wiring and make sure that everything is connected. Furthermore, make sure that they are in proper working condition.

In addition to that, ground the wire properly to avoid this problem. You also need to place the pickup at the right distance, so it doesn’t get any vibrations when the strings are being picked. The improper installation has also been associated with the noise problem.

So, make sure to install your under saddle guitar piezo pickup properly to avoid it. If everything is fine, but you still get that humming sound, getting your under saddle guitar piezo pickup checked by a technician is your best bet. They will inspect your guitar and the pickup and find the reason for this problem.

Final Thoughts

An under saddle guitar piezo pickup is loved for its bright and clear tones. However, you may come across a few problems while using it. Make sure that it is compatible with your guitar in the first place and is installed correctly.

We have mentioned potential cures to fix the problems. However, consider hiring a technician if they do not resolve the issue.